It is an axiomatic truth that every woman inherently possesses a few skills and qualities. However, owing to the rough and tumble of daily life, these are rarely able to surface. More so in the case of the Indian Eve who are literally transformed into bonded labourers post marriage. Husband, home and kids become the pivot point of their existence. “Want to work? Be a teacher” This is the standard in our society
In this perspective the subtly feminist Bangla film boudi canteen is an eye-opener. The protagonist Poulami (Subhashree Ganguly), a teacher and homemaker rolled into one. she is an excellent and highly passionate cook . However she dreams of seriously adopting doing something she loves from the bottom of her heart. Her devoted and supportive husband Sourish (Parambrata) introduces her Bablu (Soham Chakraborty), the owner of a food delivery service.
Earlier Bablu was supplying to the company where Sourish worked. But due to some unavoidable circumstances his business went downslide. As a damage control measure Bablu ropes in Poulami temporarily. And things begin to look up once more.
Soon they enter into a partnership where she assumes the role of a master chef. Thus enabled Poulami is able to act as a pillar of strength for her spouse when he runs into a financial crisis.
Like a thorn in the flesh, Poulami’s sophisticated socialite mom-in-law Surbhi (Anusua Majumdar) – who heads an NGO – is disgruntled when she discovers about the side business ( incidentally Paulomi juggles with her school job as well). For the simple reason that she’d rather her bahu do something more classy so that she can brag about it to her peers.
Eventually the younger lady is able persuade Surbhi (who is uncomfortable about her middle class past) that cooking ( read catering) is a dignified occupation as any other and lucrative as well. The film ends with the family of three determined to live happily ever after
Article Credit: womensweb